Meet Campaign Associate Denise Johnson

Meet Campaign Associate Denise Johnson

Campaign Associate Denise Johnsoninitially joined UWGLA’s movement to Create Pathways Out of Poverty for all Angelenos by participating in the organization’s Loaned Executive Program. Below, she discusses what this unique experience meant to her and the community as a whole.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you decided to participate in United Way’s Loaned Executive program.

I had previously served as a leadership volunteer for AFL- CIO Community Services and prior to that, I was an Account Executive in the finance industry. The work that United Way does as an organization is so important and I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to help local union members who may be unaware of what we can do for them.

In your opinion, what does our mission to Create Pathways Out of Poverty mean for the residents of this community?

It means that thanks to programs supported by UWGLA, the community can become a more stable one. We’ve already made great strides towards achieving our mission and a lot more good will come of it!

What was your most memorable or rewarding experience as a Loaned Executive?

Being able to let union members know that help is here if they need it. My most memorable experience was when a union member found herself in a situation where she needed financial assistance and when I told her what United Way did, she referred to me as a “godsend”!

What would you say to someone who’s interested in becoming a Loaned Executive?

DO IT! It’s not only a fantastic opportunity to expand your skills in a professional environment, but you’ll also be able to help your community. What could be better than that?!

United Way is working hard to improve the overall quality of life in L.A. County with the help of its community heroes. If you were a real superhero, what would your superpower be?

The ability to wave a magic wand and house the 51,000 homeless people currently living on the streets of Los Angeles. More importantly, I’d have the ability to ensure that no veterans are ever left behind!